Rider Radar a Motorcycle Mentality

Published April 30, 2010
By Randy Danner
366th Fighter Wing Safety Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- -- There is always risk when you get out and ride. Poor preparation amplifies that risk. Springtime is a notoriously challenging time for motorcyclists. It is wise to remember that it may take a few weeks back in the saddle to resume a high-skill level and even longer to recover the skill attained at the end of last year's riding season. Riding, while incredibly free and rewarding, comes with a level of responsibility

So how do we get our head back in the game after a winter-long break from riding?

Mental Preparation

Let's go back to the basics. During the MSF Basic Rider Course we are all taught a strategy called Rider Radar. This strategy explains that three-fourths of the hazards riders encounter are ahead of them. A rider's eyes must constantly be scanning the road ahead. The rider is looking ahead to ensure they are keeping a two-second following distance. They are scanning the four-second immediate path ahead and the 12-second anticipated path of travel.

The two-second following distance ensures a rider has time to react to the traffic ahead of them should they decide to slow down, turn or stop. The four-second immediate path is the zone where a rider may need to react quickly should something go wrong. Scanning the 12-second anticipated path allows the rider to prepare for any situation before it becomes immediate. By utilizing the Rider Radar 2-4-12 rules a rider can anticipate hazards and avoid crashes.

The other concept used in to keep a rider's mind in the game is SEE. This acronym means to

Search for potential hazards.
Evaluate for anticipated problems and
Execute a strategy to avoid an accident.

To Execute a rider should:
1) Adjust speed
2) Adjust position and
3) Communicate your intentions.

Adjust speed is first on the list, thus giving yourself more time and distance to adjust position and communicate your intentions.

Take Ownership of your Ride

Each Airman is responsible for Personal Risk Management - to know the risks and take action to minimize them in order to break the mishap chain. Some of the things you can do to take ownership of your ride are:

Obtain good riding skills (MSF Basic Rider Course) and continue to hone those skills regularly.

Wear proper gear
Helmet, goggles or face shield, long sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, full-fingered
gloves, over the ankle footwear

See and be seen
Wear brightly colored upper outer garment
Use reflective gear and lights at night

Match speed to road and weather conditions

Be alert (others are not)

Consider minimizing exposure by not riding when hazards are higher (late at night, low visibility, etc.)

One final thing riders can do to take ownership is to keep an eye on each other. Help to change risky behaviors in other riders by exhibiting the proper attitudes. Ride in a Safe and Sane manner. Help to mentor other riders. Join a Motorcycle club. There are many great clubs out there whose members have tons of riding experience, training ideas, and take fun rides together. Riding is always better in a group. The primary club here at Mountain Home AFB is the Green Knights. Check them out at their monthly meeting the first Thursday of the month at the Gunfighter or visit them on their Sharepoint at:

https://mountainhome.eim.acc.af.mil/366fw/PrivateOrgs/Green%20Knights%20MMC/Officers%20for%202010/default.aspx

The Motorcycle Safety Foundations reminds us that riding is more a skill of the eyes and the mind than the hands and the feet. It is imperative that riders hone these skills and avoid situations that might result in a crash. Because if you crash on a motorcycle you are 75 times more likely to be seriously injured than you are in a car.

Rider radar a motorcycle mentality

Rider Radar a Motorcycle Mentality

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